Important Facts For Prelims
Indian Skimmers
- 12 Jan 2023
- 2 min read
Why in News?
As per the Asian Waterbird Census 2023 (recommended dates for the AWC are 7 – 22 January) which has been started recently, the Godavari estuary in Andhra Pradesh has become a prime and safe habitat for the Indian Skimmer ( Rynchops albicollis).
- Around 250 Indian Skimmers, were sighted in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.
What are Indian Skimmers?
- About:
- Another common name for Indian skimmers is Indian scissors bill.
- They are more widespread in winter; the Indian skimmer is found in the coastal estuaries of western and eastern India.
- The species can be sighted near the Chambal River in Central India, in few parts of Odisha and in Andhra Pradesh.
- Major Threats:
- Habitat degradation, excessive and widespread increases in disturbances near the rivers.
- Protection Status:
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
- CITES: Not listed
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
- The Government declared a part of the Godavari mangrove system as Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary in 1978 to rehabilitate the salt water crocodile and to protect the other endangered species, such as Olive Ridley turtles and Indian Otter.
- About 120 species of resident and migratory birds depend on this area for breeding and nesting.
Asian Waterbird Census
- Every January, thousands of volunteers across Asia and Australasia visit wetlands in their country and count waterbirds. This citizen-science programme supports the conservation and management of wetlands and waterbirds worldwide.
- The AWC is an integral part of the global waterbird monitoring programme, the International Waterbird Census (IWC), coordinated by Wetlands International.
